What is said to be the largest tree in the world is reported from Tulare County, Cal. This giant sequoia measured 36 feet in diameter and 113 feet in circumference 4 feet from the ground. According to the press dispatches announcing the find, the mill man who discovered this majestic forest monarch will turn it into lumber. This is unquestionably a commercial age, and dollars and cents largely constitute the criterion by which almost everything is judged, yet it certainly seems that some means should be provided to prevent the destruction of such a patriarch. For 4000, possibly 5000, years this sturdy, symmetrical shaft has reared its green head, braving alike the lightning's bolts, the fury of the tempest and the fierce rays of the sun, standing today as the most inspiring example of that great pulsating life that seeks expression everywhere in nature.

An experiment in botanical surgery is proceeding in California. The oaks which grow in the grounds of the University of California are of world-wide fame. Lately, however, a dry rot has caused the trustees to fear their extinction. So Prof. W. A. Setchell, of the Botany Department, set to work to operate. First, he cut out all the disease and left large cavities in the trunks. Then he filled these with cement up to the inner edge of the bark. He reasoned that if the stopping were filled in until level with the outer surface the bark would not be able to grow over it. As it is, a smooth surface is left level with the wood itself, and he expects that the bark in time will cover it. If so, it will be hard lines, in a generation to come, on the teeth of the circular saw that gets to work on them.

The moon moves with a mean velocity of 3,350 ft. per second - not so very much faster than the projectiles of our best guns travel when on business. We may in time beat the moon in the race.

The Canadian "Gazette " says the Postmaster-General has had under consideration the liability of articles of celluloid to explode or catch fire under certain conditions, cases having occurred that strongly pointed to mails being injured from this cause. It has been decided that such articles may in future be mailed only if packed in tin boxes with closely fitting lids. Notice is therefore given that celluloid is regarded by the postal authorities as an explosive, and the mailing of such articles, except as prescribed, is prohibited and renders the sender liable to prosecution under section P of the post-office act relating to the sending of explosives, matches, etc., in the mails.

The hand that sets out a shade tree confers a blessing upon present and future generations, and immediate reward will be had from increased value to property. The coming spring will be the right time to begin.

A writer in a current issue of a contemporary, states that the ordinary acid solutions should not be used as a flux in soldering electrical connections. The acid solutions will attack the insulation if they come in contact with it. A non-corrosive flux can be made by dissolving rosin in alcohol.