IN the course of his remarks before the National Vegetarian Society at Worcester, Mass., Mr. Henry D. Perky had the following to say concerning the carnivorous diet:—
When I quit eating beef about eight years ago, I began to receive that normal condition which a man should enjoy before he can become a successful business man. I have not eaten beef since then. About nine years ago I read a newspaper paragraph about the rapid increase of cancer in England. It was then discovered that cancer was most prevalent among well-to-do men and women, the beef-eaters, whereas it was scarcely known among the common people, who get little beef to eat.
Mr. Perky is not a hobbyist nor a fanatic; but a well-to-do business man, a man of the world, but withal a man who does not allow appetite to overpower conviction and reason. Concerning his address on this occasion an influential daily remarks editorially as follows:—
Mr. Perky's opinion as to the dangerous qualities of beef certainly deserves close attention. As he presents the matter, it is a novel one. But the danger in excessive beef-eating was pointed out long since by Dr. Levenne of Paris. This eminent physician, head of the great Rothschild Hospital in Paris, continually warned his patients against beef-eating. He demonstrated that excessive eating of beef is extremely bad for the nerves. By numerous experiments he showed that only those engaged in the hardest kind of physical outdoor labor could, with safety, live on beef. He assured this writer some fifteen years since that he had cured nervousness in many women and children simply by stopping peremptorily the beef diet which had been administered under the false notion that it would give strength.
But the author of this last quotation does not fully indorse Mr. Perky's position on the meat question. The reason which he gives for not doing so is, however, a powerful argument in favor of the position which he refuses to indorse. Here it is:—
In view of the fact that meat-eating races dominate, it seems advisable to us that men should continue meat-eating in a world where fighting counts for so much.
That is, meat-eating is productive of strife, of war, of the spirit to dominate over others, to rule others or make use of others to our own profit. Therefore we should eat meat in order that we may do our share of this kind of work, and to prevent others doing so by us. In other words, meat-eating fosters and propagates the spirit of selfishness—self-service at the expense of others; and as we are in this world for what we can make out of it and out of those who are in it, we should and must eat meat in order to get "our share." It encourages the spirit of fighting; therefore while we are in a world where men fight, we must eat flesh in order that we may participate successfully in this work of the flesh. That is the argument of the world and of the flesh.
Now the true Christian knows that all this is contrary to the spirit of Christ, contrary to all the teachings of Christ; and while men of the world are free to admit that such is the tendency of flesh-eating, Christians should be equally free to acknowledge its effects. Knowing, then, that its influence is toward darkness, while theirs should be toward light, the only wise and consistent thing for them to do is to abandon the practise. We are not in the world to fight, to strive, to exalt self. Let us not, then, hold to a practise which ministers to that end.
News of the Day
ON February 12 the House of Representatives passed the oleomargarine bill. The bill makes oleomargarine, or imitation butter or cheese, transported into any State or territory for use, sale, or consumption therein, subject to the laws of such States or territories, even tho it may be introduced in original packages. The bill also imposes a tax of 10 cents per pound on oleomargarine made in imitation of butter. When not so made, it is subject to a tax of only one-fourth of a cent per pound. Attempts to evade the law are to be punished by a fine of from $50 to $500 and imprisonment for not less than 30 days nor more than 6 months.
GENERAL BELL, who has been operating in Batangas against the Filipinos, reports that the insurrection in that province is crushed out; but that many of the armed Filipinos have gone to other provinces, and are making their presence felt there. Secretary of War Root has been anxious to reduce the number of troops in the islands as much as possible; but a cable message from the military governor asks for additional troops, and protests against the policy of reduction. Evidently the military governor considers that there is still work in the islands for the troops to do.
A DESPATCH from St. Petersburg dated February 14 states that a disastrous earthquake has occurred in Transcaucasia, destroying the town of Shamaka and many smaller towns, with a great many of their inhabitants. Nearly every building in Shamaka was leveled, and great fissures opened in the earth. The smaller villages in the vicinity were not damaged to so great an extent. The latest reports state that fully 2,000 persons lost their lives, the most of whom were women and children.9
ENGLAND and Japan have entered into an alliance for the purpose of maintaining the integrity of China. In some quarters this new treaty is regarded as a virtual ultimatum to Russia to relinquish her hold on Manchuria and cease her designs on Korea. The Russian press, however, hold that Russia would have signed the treaty herself if she had been requested to do so. By the terms of this treaty each of the contracting parties agrees to come to the other's assistance in case she is at war with more than one power at the same time. Article 1 states the purpose of the treaty, which is to maintain the independence and integrity of China and Korea. The signing of this treaty is said to have already strengthened the Chinese officials in opposing Russia's demands.
THE Senate, on February 17, ratified the treaty with Denmark for the purchase of the Danish West Indies for the sum of $5,000,000. The islands comprising this group are known as St. Thomas, St. John, and St. Croix. Senator Bacon moved to strike from the treaty that article which declared that the civil rights and status of the islanders would be determined by Congress. He took the position that the Constitution of the United States extended to the islands when they became part of the United States. His amendment was rejected without division. Congress has definitely decided that the Constitution of the United States is operative only where Congress shall permit.
THE greatest snow and wind storm since 1888 visited the Atlantic coast on February 17. The wind in some places reached a velocity of nearly 60 miles an hour. The fall of snow along some parts of the coast reached 12 inches. Traffic in the large cities was practically blocked for the greater portion of the day, where the streets were piled high with the drifted snow. The track of the storm was 200 miles wide, and extended from Virginia to Maine. There was much suffering among the poor and destitute in the large cities.
THE Ministerial Alliance of Salt Lake City has unanimously adopted the report of its investigating committee, which asserts that polygamy is both taught and practised by the Mormons of Utah in open defiance of the laws of the State. This report is to be used as a petition for the passage of an amendment to the Constitution prohibiting polygamy, and will be sent to the judiciary committee of Congress.
Two thousand persons have been invited to the launching of the German emperor's yacht at New York and to the luncheon following. This number includes only governors of States, high officials, and the wealthy aristocracy of New York City and vicinity. At this luncheon the President and the German prince will occupy an elevated platform in view of all the guests.
THE Venezuelan gunboat Crespo was captured and scuttled by the crew of the rebel steamer Libertador on February 7, the rebels destroying what guns they could not remove from the captured vessel. On February 12 an engagement took place between the gunboats of the Colombian Government and the rebels, but neither side suffered serious damage.
A MEMORIAL from the Federal party of the Philippines has been transmitted to the Senate of the United States. The memorial asks that the Philippines be regarded as a territory of the United States; that civil rule be established; and that free pardon be granted to those who have taken part in the opposition to the rule of the United States.
A REPORT from Constantinople states that the captors of Miss Stone have been attacked by an other party of brigands who sought to secure the prisoners in order to get the ransom money. Twenty men were killed during the fight, but the original captors of the missionaries were victorious, and the missionaries themselves were not hurt.
A COMPANY of 150 mounted British infantry were entrapped by a company of Boers near Johannesburg on February 12. The British lost 12 killed and over 40 wounded. Messers Wessels and Wolmarans of the Boer delegation in Europe have sailed for the United States to make a tour of the country in the interests of their countrymen.
ON February 14 riotous strikers practically took possession of the city of Trieste, Austria. Troops fired into the mob, killing 16 persons and wounding many more. The riotous demonstrations are said to have been the worst Austria has experienced in many years. The whole city has been placed under martial law.
THE postoffice appropriation bill has been completed in committee, and carries an appropriation of $137,916,598, an increase of $14,133,910 over the current appropriations. The largest item is $41,250,000 for railway transportation of mails. The rural free delivery gets an increase of $1,250,000, making $7,529,000.
A WEALTHY syndicate is reported to have secured from the Canadian Government absolute control of all vacant ground and all ground to become vacant in the richest portions of the Klondike. Reports from there indicate that unless this action is rescinded, the Klondike will be deserted within a few weeks.
THE largest sugar mill in the world is now in operation on the island of Maui, Hawaii. The mill has a capacity of 500 tons of sugar a day.
A TERRIBLE story of cannibalism comes from the west coast of Africa, where a company of French explorers have been conducting operations. The natives fell upon one party of the explorers, killed some, and bound others, devoured some of those who were killed, and were preparing to treat the rest of the party in a similar manner, when a relief party came to their rescue and drove off the natives, killing 30.
THE whole city of Des Moines, Iowa, is reported under quarantine, owing to an epidemic of smallpox. The report states that practically the whole city has been exposed, because of the fact that the form of the disease is so mild that many continued at their occupations for several days after the attack.
RAILWAY men are now planning a railroad to cross the southern part of Asia, bringing Cairo, Egypt, and Shanghai, China, into direct communication. The project is to be accomplished by utilizing such roads as have already been constructed and constructing whatever new lines are necessary to fill the gaps.
THE airship of M. Santos-Dumont, in which he has made many short trips in safety, became unmanageable during his ascension on February 14, at Monaca, France, and came down with him into the bay at that place. The inventor was rescued, but the ship was practically destroyed.
A SWEDISH chemist comes forward with the claim that he has perfected a process by which milk can be converted into a powder which is soluble in water, and can then be reconverted into its natural condition. The process costs less than one-fourth of a cent per quart.
THE chief sanitary officer of Havana, Cuba, reports that from September 28, 1901, to the present time, not a case of yellow fever has developed in this city. This, he claims, is due entirely to the killing of the mosquitoes, by which the infection has been carried heretofore.
IN a battle between officers and mountaineers near Middlesboro, Kentucky, on February 12, 6 men were killed and many wounded. The mountaineers were defending a notorious saloon, in which more than fifty persons had lost their lives since its establishment.
REPORTS from Spain state that 80,000 laborers are now on strike in Barcelona. Many have been killed and wounded in conflicts between the strikers and troops. Serious labor troubles are also reported from Rome, with clashes between the troops and strikers.
A CHARTER has been granted to the Denver, Kansas, and Atlantic Railroad to construct 1,248 miles of new road, extending from Denver to Paris, Texas, by way of Oklahoma. Several branch lines will be constructed in Oklahoma and Indian Territories.
TWO society women of New England, between whom the intensest rivalry exists, have carried it to the extent of importing palaces from abroad for their abodes. These palaces were torn down, shipped to the places desired in New England, and there rebuilt.
NEWS comes from Venezuela that there have been numerous uprisings in the interior. Government troops sent to subdue the uprisings have been defeated by the rebels, and some of them have gone over to the enemy.
ARRANGEMENTS are now being made for the leasing of a strip of territory 8 miles wide across the Isthmus of Panama, so that in case it is decided to build by that route, territory will not be wanting in which to dig the ditch.
PRINCE HENRY of Prussia, brother of the Emperor of Germany, sailed from Bremerhaven on February 15 for the United States. The Kaiser's yacht Hohenzollern is now at New York awaiting the arrival of the prince.
SUCCESSFUL experiments in wireless telephony are now being carried on in France. The instruments are simply connected with the ground, but conversation can be easily carried on over short distances.
CHINA has dismissed the German officers who were training her army, and has employed Japanese officers to do this work, as the Japanese do not require the large salaries which the Germans were receiving.
PLANS are now being made by both President and congressmen at Washington for the relief of the Cubans by legislation which will give them freer access to our markets than they now enjoy.
A CABLE from Constantinople states that the Bulgarians are planning an uprising in Macedonia during the coming spring, and that they are endeavoring to have the Greeks join them.
MISSIONARIES who have been visiting the Indians of Riverside and San Diego counties, California, report that the Indians are in a pitiable condition, and that many are actually starving.
THE bill for the repeal of the war revenue taxes passed the House on February 17, every vote, 278 in number, being cast to the affirmative.
A DESPATCH from India states that in the Punjab the plague is epidemic again, and that 1,000 deaths are occurring daily.
HE HAS NOT COMMISSIONED US.
By Editor
No true Christian reform is accomplished by violence or war. Wherever the bloody hand has thrust itself into the struggle as an auxiliary to righteousness, the cause of Christianity has suffered. One great object-lesson stands out upon the pages of the history of the Reformation,—Zwingle's recourse to the sword in the emancipation of Switzerland. Had he stood free from that as did Luther, we believe he would have wrought a mightier work. And there are many other lessons besides the direct instruction of the Word.
Yet notwithstanding this our National Reform friends tell us that the message of blood is the message of reform, and that Christ is in this work. For instance, an article in the Christian Cynosure of October last, by J. M. Foster, a minister of the Gospel, a National Reform lecturer, has this to say:—
"The cancer of the secret empire is now threatening our nation's existence. It is ripe for removal. The anarchistic orders are one deep root. Jesuitry is another root, Masonry is another. All the roots must be torn out. It will be a painful and bloody operation. But it must be done. The nation's life is at stake. The race-war in the south is another cancer. It must be taken out. Men say it can never be removed. But the King of kings is already here, and His two-edged sword is already drawn, and He is ready for the bloody work. It must be taken out in the shedding of blood. He shall give them blood to drink, for they are worthy. The King of kings must be honored." (Italics ours.)
We have no defense to make for secret orders. Jesus Christ said, "I spake openly to the world, and in secret have I said nothing." But the Christian religion is antagonistic to secret organizations, it places in the hands of its children no carnal weapons with which to destroy them. For Jesus also said, "My kingdom is not of this world; if My kingdom were of this world, then would My servants fight; . . . but now is My kingdom not from hence." Let the church reveal the true social side of her divine humanity, benevolence, and helpfulness, and she would at least keep all these things out of the church, and present to the world a truer life than any of the secret societies could. War and strife will come. Oppression and wickedness will reap their reward. The great battle of Armageddon will redden the earth with myriads slain, but true Christianity will have no part in that war. Jesus Christ will not lead forth these armies. And when the just wage of wickedness is paid, it will not be by saints wading through blood. That is not our commission to this world.
NOT A TEMPERANCE REFORM.
By Editor
A copy of the American Issue, of Columbus, Ohio, comes to us filled with accounts of the arresting, fining, and imprisoning of saloon-keepers who had sold liquor on Sunday in that State. The Signs of the Times is an advocate of temperance everywhere and all the time; but it finds no cause of jubilation in a temperance movement which centers around Sunday. The saloon is a menace to life and morality every hour that it is allowed to run. A rational man would not think of chaining up a tiger one day in seven, and giving him the freedom of the city all the rest of the week. It would be just as sensible to do that as to work for the suppression of the "Sunday saloon." If the Anti-saloon League of Ohio confines its work within such limits, conducts it on such a basis, it might better disband. God asks no human arm to "steady the ark" of His law. Much less will He give His sanction and blessing to any power or organization which stretches forth a human arm to displace His law by substituting for it a human ordinance, supporting it, and compelling its recognition, by civil power. Numerous organizations are doing to-day. Every law against Sunday "desecration" is framed and enforced upon that basis; but it is not of God, and God's blessing is not in it or with it. s.
LITERARY NOTICES.
By Editor
"THE SCRIPTURAL FOUNDATION OF SCIENCE." By L. A. Reed, B.S., M.S. Size 5 x 7, cloth, 272 pp., illustrated, price 75 cents. Review and Herald Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.
The purpose of the author in this publication is to show the harmony between real science and the Word of God, and to strengthen the faith of all in the inspiration of that Word; to show that in the inspired Word is found the very fountain of true science, a text-book of demonstrable truth. The author first shows the unscientific basis of the origin of life as taught by the evolutionist, and also the reasonableness and scientific truthfulness of the teaching of Him who is at once the Author of life and the Expounder of its mysteries. Chapter One takes up some of the prevalent "scientific theories," showing the unscientific basis of many of them, and the fact that those which are true were long ago made known in God's Word. Chapter Two deals with the atmosphere, and Chapter Three with Gravitation, the working of that power by which the different members of the universe are kept each in its place. Chapter Four deals with the transfer of radiant energy, the phenomenon of light; and Chapter Five, with the conservation of energy. The remaining chapters of the book turn upon the great subject of astronomical phenomena, showing how wonderfully God has revealed in His Word the truth concerning His universe. The book is the product of much earnest thought, is worthy of careful study, and we believe will do much good.
FROM the Continental Press, Washington, D. C., comes a prospectus, which is truly a work of art, of "THE PORTRAITS OF OUR PRESIDENTS, with Biographical Sketches." By the Hon. Charles H. Grosvenor. The work is to be published as an Imperial, 12 x 16, 150 pages, with frontispiece, and twenty-seven photo-engravures. Great care has been and is being placed on the entire work, both as regards subject-matter and its completion as a work of history and art. It will be published in four editions as follows: President Edition Grand de Luxe (very limited), $500; India Edition, $200; Japan Edition, $100; Grosvenor Edition, $18.00.
"THE BATTLE OF THE CENTURY." Number 8 of "Berean Library." By Percy T. Magan. Paper covers, 80 pp., price 10 cents. Review and Herald Publishing Co., Battle Creek, Mich.
This long battle, with whose history the author deals, has been the great struggle between freedom and oppression, between religious liberty and the pretensions of the papacy to the right to force the consciences of men. In a forceful manner the author shows the growth of these two righteous principles that "governments derive their just powers from the consent of the governed," and that the State has no right to interfere in matters of religion; shows how they were reflected from America to Europe, and finally resulted in the overthrow of the temporal power of the pope. In that was the papacy's "deadly wound," and in those principles, first established in America, the cause of that wound originated. So in America's forsaking of these principles lies the working of that influence which is to result in the healing of that same "deadly wound." From the facts presented in this pamphlet it is plain that America has begun that backward movement which is to nullify the work of this nation's founders, bring about oppression in place of freedom, persecution in place of religious liberty, and make possible the healing of the papal wound.
"A SHORT STUDY OF THE BOOK OF REVELATION." By I. E. Kimball. Price 30 cents. Address the author, Portsmouth, Va.
This work is a sincere attempt to make plain to the common people in a too brief form the Gospel in the wonderful Apocalypse. The explanation is along historic lines, and in the main correct. We think his application of the seven seals altogether too narrow; the rider on the white horse being our Lord (Psalms 45). The Revised Version and Ezekiel 1 and 10 should have saved from the mistaken application of the four "living creatures." We do not see how the interpretation of the seven trumpets is helped by substituting the crusades for the Saracens. The former certainly do not answer to the time (five months), and with all the monstrous excesses of a part of the crusades, they scarcely could be said to be the scourge of the prophecy. Neither can it be said that "the head of the beast was healed according to the prophecy" (p. 91) when the pope is the head "of the church only." The healing demands the restoration of the spiritual domination over the nations. The seven churches are considered, with no advantage it seems to us, at the close. But we have neither time nor space to point out all the minor errors or tell of its many good points. It is written in an excellent spirit, and may throw new light on chapters 12, 13, and 17.
"AROUND THE PAN" (Pan-American Exposition), published by the Nutshell Publishing Company, 1059 Third Avenue, New York. Price $2.00.
The wonders begin with the frontispiece picture of President McKinley, drawn in a single line, beginning at a point on the cheek bone and going round and round in a constantly widening circle, with waverings and downbearings of the pen in the proper places to secure detachment and shading. We are told that this portrait "is considered the most unique work of its kind in the world," and if there are degrees of uniqueness, we are willing to believe that this is most the thing of which there are no duplicates. Of course there is text in addition to the pictures, and we should be surprised indeed to hear that any purchaser is not pleased with the work.10"THE DEADLY ERROR OF CHRISTIAN SCIENCE." (Continued on page 11.)
LITERARY NOTICES.
(Continued from page 9.)
Price 10 cents. Church Literature Publishing Company, Philadelphia, Pa.
This little pamphlet gets at the very core of the matter quickly by showing that "Christian Science" is directly opposed to essential truths of Christianity, and demonstrates it to be illogical and inconsistent. The remedy pointed out is the Holy Scriptures. May the blessed Lord prosper this little booklet in its mission.
FROM the same company comes a small pamphlet, entitled, "THE SPIRITUAL DANGER OF OCCULTISM OR SORCERY, including Spiritualism, Hypnotism, Psychical Research, Theosophy, Mind-Reading, and the Like." Price 5 cents. It is an earnest, Christian, Biblical warning.
"THE GOSPEL ACCORDING TO ST. MARK IN SPANISH AND ENGLISH," in parallel columns, with some statements concerning the work of the American Bible Society in Pan America, has come to our table. The English version is the common or "Authorized," the Spanish version is that of "Cipriano de Valera, Revisada y Corwegida." This Gospel of Mark was prepared expressly for the Pan American Exposition. Only the records on High will reveal the good that has been done by the great Bible societies. They are worthy of support.
"THE NEW INTERNAL BATH," an Improved Method of Flushing the Colon, and Giving Enemas for Acute and Chronic Diseases, by Laura M. Wright, M.D., illustrated, 56 pages, 25 cents. New York, The Health-Culture Co. publishers, 483 Fifth Avenue.
It is claimed that the objections to the old method sold a few years ago as a secret, are obviated by this; that it assists nature, strengthens the parts, and so aids in a permanent cure of the difficulty.
"THE LIVER AND KIDNEYS," with a chapter on Malaria, by Susanna W. Dodds, M.D., author of "Hygienic Cookery," "The Diet Question," etc., 50 pages, illustrated, price 25 cents, New York, The Health-Culture Co., 483 Fifth Avenue.
The writer of this booklet believes in hygiene, and hygienic living as a means of securing and retaining health, rather than a dependence upon drugs. It contains most excellent advice.
"ROMANIZING TENDENCIES IN THE EPISCOPAL CHURCH" is the print of a sermon preached in Christ Episcopal Church, Los Angeles, Cal., by its rector, Rev. Geo. Thos. Dowling, D.D., July 14, 1901. Published by the Vestry. Price 20 for $1.00. Geo. W. Parsons, 107 S. Broadway, Los Angeles, Cal. Dr. Dowling tells us that the question is not "a mere matter of millinery," but whether Protestantism will go back to the Middle Ages with all their tyranny of priestcraft.
"WHERE LAW-BOOKS ARE MADE" is the title of a pamphlet issued by the West Publishing Co., St. Paul, Minn., the largest law-book house in the world, and the home establishment of the National Reporter and the American Digest systems. All cases of interest are reported by them.
"THE TWENTIETH CENTURY CITY" is a pamphlet containing the "Proceedings of the Annual Convention, 1901, of the American League for Civic Improvement, Springfield, O." It is full of good suggestions
CRYSTALS.
By Frederick Griggs
OVER the ice go the skaters, little dreaming, perhaps, that they are having their enjoyment upon this solid water only because of the wonderful laws of crystallization. Crystals are far more numerous than is generally supposed. It is said that all the solid materials of the globe in their inorganic state are crystalline in grain, so it is no exaggeration to say that the earth has crystal foundations. In their perfection, the elements of all compounds are crystals. Thus the diamond is carbon that is crystallized. It has been thought that if oxygen could be reduced to a solid state, it would have no rival among nature's gems.
All of the metals crystallize. Now, what are crystals? In a previous article I said that plants grew from within and stones from without. Plants and animals grow by division, and thus the increase of the number of cells. Stones grow by the accretion or addition of particles of the same matter, but in the formation of crystals there is just as definite a law as there is in the formation of animals. We recognize that all the animal kingdom is formed according to some definite law—that nothing is done in a haphazard manner; and that if there are any misshapen creatures, it is due to the fact that nature's law has not had its opportunity to work. In the vegetable kingdom when we plant a certain kind of seed or a certain variety of a kind, we expect to get in return the same variety. So positive and so definite is our dependence upon this law of nature, that we can definitely count on the color of the kind we are to receive from the seed sown. We can plant corn of a certain color, and know that we are to receive corn of the same color.
In the inorganic kingdom—and by that we mean all that is not included in the animal or vegetable kingdoms, which are called the organic kingdoms—a specific form and structure belongs to each species. Definite laws govern the formation of each species, so that it may very properly be said that animal, plant, and crystal are the three kinds of structures in nature.
I said that the skaters, as they glide over the ice, think very little of what a wonderful law has been at work to produce this ice they are so enjoying; but the word "crystal" is appropriately derived from a Greek word meaning "ice," and the water is solidified by its being turned into a mass of crystals.
There are four modes of crystallization, and they each require freedom of movement among the particles which are being crystallized. The first mode of crystallization is that from solution, where some solid is dissolved, and thus the particles are set free so that this necessary movement can take place. The crystallization of sugar and alum when in solution is an example of this method. The second means is that of the removal of heat. It is thus that water becomes ice, and the water-vapor snow. Melted lead and sulphur (and other substances), when cooled, may come out in perfect crystals.
Illustrations of nature's work in the formation of crystals—typical forms and combinations.
The third mode is that of long-continued heat. Heat has crystallized beds of earth-sediment, and thus changed them into crystalline forms. The fourth mode is that resulting from the combination of certain elements of a compound. At the moment of the combining of these elements, the crystallization takes place.
I have spoken of ice as the result of crystals in the freezing of water. There is first a sheet of ice which is made by the prisms shooting out over the surface of the water. Then as the cold continues, these prisms shoot downward, and the ice is increased in thickness by their additions to the under surface. Consequently the ice is columnar in its structure, tho when we examine it in a firm state we do not detect this; but when the ice begins to melt, these columns are very distinctly seen. In some lakes, such as Champlain for instance, the ice quite invariably melts in such a way as to make these prismatic columns very decided. Even when it is yet strong enough to support a horse and sleigh, as the horse is traveling along his foot may occasionally strike through the ice, driving down some of these columns. When the ice gets into this condition, very often a strong gale will break it up entirely even during a day.
It will be a most interesting and profitable experiment to watch the process of crystallization. Several small bottles may be provided of about the same size. Fill each one nearly full of cold water, and label it according to the substance which is to be placed therein. Place in each bottle one of the following substances: common salt, saltpeter, washing soda, copperas, blue vitriol, sugar, and alum. Of course no one will have all of these materials on hand, but they can be purchased for a few cents at the druggist's. Drop a small amount of these substances, pulverized, into the different bottles, and notice what becomes of them. After having put in some that is powdered, put in some in the lump form. It will be interesting during the dissolving to note the temperature of the water by means of a small thermometer. Continue this addition of these minerals to the water until they begin to settle in the bottom of the bottles. Then gradually warm the water by placing the bottle in a warm bath. Do not heat it too quickly, and it will not crack. Notice that the substances which were resting on the bottoms of the bottles have disappeared, and more can be added. Why is it that when the water warms, more of these minerals can thus be added?
Now our liquids are ready for the process of crystallization. Pour a little of each of the above solutions into shallow dishes, and set them aside until the liquid evaporates. Then suspend a string in the solution remaining in the bottle. Observe whether the crystals which form in the solution remaining in the bottles are different from those which remain in the shallow dishes after the evaporation. Do these solid forms in crystals differ from the material which we placed in the water to be dissolved? Take some of the solutions and evaporate them by boiling. Does the rate of evaporation in any way affect the formation of crystals? Are the crystals which form from the various substances all alike?
If one can watch the process of crystallization by placing some water under a good microscope, he will see a very wonderful process taking place; for the various particles of matter, such, for instance, as the salt which had been placed in solution, are each coming to their particular places to form the crystals. The various particles of matter seem to have a definite place in every crystal, and march directly to that place as tho they were intelligent in their action. They even cross each other's path as they go to their place in the crystal. Here is a wonderful law of the Creator. We wonder and are amazed at the process of growth as we see it in the animal and vegetable kingdoms, and we likewise wonder and are amazed as we watch this process of growth and development in the mineral kingdom. Throughout the crystal that is thus formed, each particle of the internal structure is directly related to the external form. The various forms of crystals belong, mathematically speaking, to six systems of crystallization.
I said a little ago that the earth might be said to rest on crystal foundations because all metals do crystallize, but I afterward indicated that it was necessary to have one of four conditions present before they would do this. So while it is true that all metals do crystallize under certain conditions, yet because of the absence of these conditions we generally do not find the metals in these forms. But when the conditions are present, the particles operate according to the wonderful law of which I have spoken; that is, each molecule comes to its particular place to form the solid whole. Then we find these metals in their crystalline form.
The most perfect crystal, probably, which we have is that of the diamond. Crystals have been called the flowers of the mineral kingdom. Such they truly seem to be; for they are to be found in all colors, and permanent colors they naturally are too.
I should not omit to speak of the form of crystallization which sometimes takes place in the petrifaction of various substances of the vegetable kingdom. In certain portions of the West a chemical called silica is found in compound in the water and even in the air. As this acts upon wood which may be brought in contact with it, it changes its texture or its structure in such a way as to crystallize it, making it capable of taking a very high polish. It will thus present most wonderfully beautiful colors.
While we do not most readily observe these wonderful workings of our God in these solid formations, yet the investigation and study in these lines will amply repay all effort. So this experiment which I have suggested to the parents for the children may be a very profitable lesson.
So. Lancaster, Mass. FREDERICK GRIGGS.
ALL IN CHRIST.
By Mrs. L. D. Avery-Stuttle
THERE is beauty in the presence
Of the Christ of Calvary;
Chiefest 'mong ten thousand, thousand,
Altogether fair is He.
Tell me, tell me, O Beloved,
Where Thou mak'st Thy flock to rest;
I would meet Thee in the vineyards,
I would lie upon Thy breast.
There is mercy in the presence
Of the cleansing, flowing blood;
Let me bathe within the fountain,
Let me sink beneath the flood.
Wash me, wash me, O Beloved;
Thou can'st make me clean, I know,
Thou can'st cleanse my crimson garments,
Thou can'st make me "white as snow."
There's forgiveness in the presence
Of the tender Lamb of God;
Then I'll claim Thy loving pity,
And I'll bow beneath the rod.
O there's healing in Thy presence
For my body and my soul!
I will touch Thy blessed garment;
Thou alone can'st make me whole.
O there's life within the presence
Of the Source of life and love;
For His love is everlasting,
"Higher than the heights above."
From His throne life's brimming river
Floweth like a crystal tide;
O there's life within the presence
Of the blessed Crucified
