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Thames Star, Volume VII, Issue 1874, 5 January 1875, Page 2

Ibt replying to the toast of his health at a dinner given by the inhabitants of Queenstown, Lake Wakatip, to the American Transit of Venus party, Professor Peters, after some remarks on the value of the scientific objects obtained, said:—-" Now let me cease to be' an astronomer. I posses^ also, another'qualification—that of an astrologer. I hare been reading for the past, now let mo read for the future those stars I sightly, study. Let me tell you, in all sincerity; what I bare thought they told, me as I looked at them nightly. I have seen clearly—l see in the s'ars a large city here of the future j railways converging upon it; people coming from many other parte of the,earth to enjoy its beautiful climate, and behold its grand Eoenery. (Loud . applause). : I tell you, gentlemen, that, despite worldly care?, there is a great future before this Island. I see it reflected, in the stars, if you will .allow me to say so, and I see this small, but beautiful, town the capital of lhat Island, the centra of attraction, the abode of those who possess taste and wealth, as well as the humbler student: of .nature. (Loud, cheers). Youi gentlemen, cannot prevent that deßtiny, for the stars predict it. (Laughter and applause). Allow me once more to say I do not mean to natter. lam beyond that; but, as aure as I Bpeak, so sure will that future come, though it be to another generation. (Hear, hear). Sincerely do I tliank you on behalf of myself and my party for the many kindnesses shown to. us. (Loud cheers, during which the learned Professor resumed his seat).

A iiBTTEE from Genesee to the Syracuse .Standard relates the following.—" A few days ago, on the train on the Erie Railway, which runsvfrom Rochester to Danville, a most sin? gular circumstance occurred.' When the train was about three miles from Gi-enesee the passengers in one of; the coaches were alarmed by the singular actions of a lady, who gave her name as Mary P. Rhoadea, of Adrian, Mich., and a relative of the Bey. C. T. jSeibfc, of Oleab, N;Y. She was leaning over a seat, uttering the most piercing criee. A gentleman rushed to her aud asked the trouble. She made no answer, but continued to scream the louder. When the 7 train reached the station she was helped into the .waiting-room, and a gentleman present procured a glass of brandy, which being given to. the lady she appeared to recover a little. A lady standing near at; this juncture gave a scream, and pointing to the head of Mies Rhoades, fainted. On examination a large striped snake was observed coiled around 'i he chignon of the' lady. How ifc came there was a mystery, and was only explained by the theory that it had got into the car and took refuge under the cushions of the car-seat. Miss Rhoades stated Bhe felt; something crawling up her head, but could only give vent to her feelinga in screams, and until it was taken off did not herself know what the iti&tter was. The snake was killed, and the affair produced no littie excitement for the time."

Tfiß District'Conrf- 1, "which shoul&Tiave sat to day,-waß-formally-adjqurr^edtlll "to-morrow, in accordance with ah understanding come to

The "leading morning journal," otherwise' the Hew Zealand Herald, yesterday presented to its subscribers an illuminated almanac, the resources of the Herald establishment enabling the proprietor to produce an annual differing in many respecte from the usual sheet gratuitously supplied -by newspaper proprietors. For instance, no attempt has been made to make the "almanac pay, the proprietor's being the only advertisement figuring in it. The, border'is in good style of modern illuminated printing, and there are also the Commercial and Auckland signal code?, with explanations. In addition, to the calendar* the^ almanac contains Post Office "Notices,"Ratesi of Postage and Stamp Duties, and Tide TaWe for all Kew- Zealand. The illumination is from the pen of Mr A. Hutchinson, who also designed the JS&vr Zealand and South British Insurance Companies'card almanacs.

at tile last -regular Ceurt day; One of the

oases to be heard is in one respect rather singular. Itt an action for damages, Hos&ins against Thoma?, the plaintiff ie in One'iunga, the d< fendant is in Coromaudf 1, the solicitors

engaged are resident in Auckland, and the case is to be heard in the Gt-rahamstown Court. Tbia is quite an extensive distribution in a variety of circles of the members to one action, and the expenses in such a caao are likely to be considerable, esp'erially'if it should happen ibfti the witae*ses are scattered in the same jr&inex*. ■"*"'•.

We can grafc the apricot on the plum, and the peach on the apricot," and the almond on the peach,;thus, producing a tree with'plum roots end almond leaves. The wood of the

ct jm will con-ist of four distinct varieties, though formed from one continuous layer. Bel <w the almond wood and bark wo ishall

hara perfect peach wood and birk; then perfect apricot wood and bark. In ibis curious instance we see the intimate correspondence between the bark and iheleaf, fur, if we abound remove the almond branches we might csuse the several sorfca of wood to developa buds and leafy twigs each of its own hind. I?f<ca section of the compound stem has its scat of lifrt in fhe cambium layer, and the ca bium .of each reproduces cells of its own species out of a common nutrient fluid. The -Australasian says that about seventyfive parties of ob9ervatibn were stationed in various parts of this hemisphere, sent by the >diff.renfc governments, nfc a total cost of between £190 000 and £250 000, not including the expenses of the local sub idiary parties. The general results will nor, owing to the •laborate calculations necessary, be accurately known before 1876.

Me R. Fhench informs us that he received a telegram this afterneon from the G-v.au d Lodge Secretary informing him that the Hon. S. D. Hastings, P.R.W.G.T. has armed in Auckland.. -«

The frequent use of apples before,or after meals, has a most healthful effect upon digestion-—better eat lees meat and more fruit. An eminent French physician' thinks that the decrease of dyspepsia and bhlious affection in Paris is owing to the increased consumption of apples, which fruit he maintains is an admirable prophylatic and tonic, as well as a very nourishing and easily digested article'of food. The Parisians are raid to devour ono hundred millions of apples every winter — that is they did before the war. "Whether this estimate is true or not, nevertheless the French are extravagantly fond of apples and other fruits.

Woe unto the befroueered race (says the Melbourna Herald), for Mrs Oolclough and her friends are about to establish a Woman's Bight Society, and further-to have a special journalistic organ, of which no doubt, Mrs 0. will be and--;t!je- compositors ladies> with contributors in crinoline and wearing bustleii. There is a day of tribulation for the scoffers. 'We, in the'~simplicity ef our hearts, thought that the day had not arrived for agitating women's rights in these colonies, as, so far, woman was in a good position.