With this issue we close the third year of publication of this magazine. During this time many incidents have occurred to encourage us and which show that our work is meeting with full appreciation from our readers. The value of the magazine in both a practical and educational way is amply evidenced by the many letters we are constantly receiving, and which serve as a stimulus to further and better efforts in this direction. Our staff of contributors is being constantly enlarged, so that we can in the future present subjects of continued interest and value to the amateur worker.

During the coming year we shall continue to present many topics relating to mechanics, electricity, wood working, boatbuilding, photography, as well as articles having special bearing on these subjects. The making of machines and instruments likely to be of service to the amateur will receive a prominent place. Constructive work for the junior department will also be given due prominence. Altogether we feel that our readers will find much which will be directly helpful and of value. Suggestions are desired and welcomed and will be utilized so far as it is possible to do so.

One of the latest of our readers to receive the "Amateur Lathe" writes: "It is a very fine machine. I expected a great deal of the lathe, but it far exceeded my expectations." Another one writes: " I don't see how you can offer such a fine lathe at the liberal terms upon which I received mine."

A turning lathe is such a necessary tool to amateur mechanics that those without them should consider the purchase of one at the earliest which their means will permit. For small work the " Amat sur Lathe " is just what is wanted.

Volume III., bound in cloth, uniform with the two previous volumes, will be ready about Oct. 20. Price $1.50, postpaid. The three volumes, bound in cloth, and a subscription for the fourth year, will be given for $4.50.

Consul Jackson, La Rochelle, France, reports: A part of this consular district, principally in the southern section, has been invaded by immense numbers of " campagnols " or field mice (Arvicola agrestis). The presence of this diminutive pest has caused serious concern in the agricultural districts, for the powers of destruction possessed by one of the creatures are tremendous. It not only destroys large quantities of living vegetation in seeking its food, but lays away an ample stock for winter consumption. There is scarcely a living plant within its reach that is not eaten or destroyed by it.

It ha6 been calculated from experiments that each adult field mouse eats from two-thirds of an ounce to 1 ounce of living plants a day, which means a consumption of from 16 to 24 pounds a year. It is estimated that the average number of field mice to be found unon a hectare (2.47 acres) was 1,350. They consumed anu-ally at least 13 1/2 tons. It will be seen, then, that the anxiety among farmers is justified. The method used to destroy these pests which is considered most efficacious is by a microbe which is deadly to rats and mice only, domesticated animals being immune to its influence. This method of destruction has been recently commenced and carried out on a surface of 2,800 acres, and has proved to be able to accomplish the destruction of the mice, while the game, fowl and other animals of the farm were in no instance affected.