OUR PARIS LETTER.

Thames Star, Volume XII, Issue 3983, 4 October 1881, Page 2

OUR PARIS LETTER.

(FHOM OUJI OWN COEKEBPONDBNT.)

SCIENTIFIC.

The Thickness of the Ice in the Arctic Sea.B.—A. comparison of observations in Arctic ice in different places during Nordenskfold's Polar expedition in 1878-9, and others, appears in a recent issuo of the Annalen der Hydrographie. The following are some of the principal results arrived at. During the Arptic winter (September to May inclusive) months, the mean temperatures of which are under Odeg. C. and maxima only a few degs. over it, the ice reaches a thickness of 1 to 2-3 metres—i.e., 2 28 feet to 757 feet. This difference in maximum thickness does not depend merely on lower or higher winter temperature. Where the water is deep and in constant motion, the ice acquires less thickness than in quiet bays. It is shown, however, that in places exposed to the cold Poland current there is thicker ice than in other places not so exposed, though the mean winter temperature at the latter may be lower. In general, the ice thickens more rapidly just after commencement of its new formation than later—i.e., than near the time of its reaching its maximum. The beginning of formation '. of . new ice is almost exclusively in September, and the greatest maximum thicknesses are nearly all in May.; With regard to decrease of thickness of ice in the course of the Arctic summer (June, July, and August), this has been estimated to be I's m. at Cape Willizet, which has the lowest summer temperature hitherto observed. All observers agree that the ice decreases very quickly in thickness as soon as the summer thaw has set in in full force, and the snow cover has melted away, so that the ice - comes into direct contact with the air; Through evaporation alone a considerable amount of the decrease from above downwards takes place when such contact is established (an occurrence very limited, however, in extent). The diminution of the thickness of the ice by water playing on it below is extremely small as compared with that arising from fusion of the upper surface in summer. The maximum thickness of the ice formed by freezing depends, in the first place, upon the temperature of the air and the water; and'in the second on the quantity of ice brought to fusion in summer. It is. thus different in different regions, Where the general movement of water is hindered, or local meteorological influences lessen the summer temperature and thereby the qhantity of ice fused in summer, the ice grows thicker .than in places near extensive stretches of sea in free communication with southern seas,, or where the temperature of the water is raised by warm currents. I ;

THINGS AND OTHERS.

The Aritropoloeical Society of France bad recently under discussion, the question whether the dog descends from the wolf. M.. Eabourdiu said that he had brought up a wolf that was now sis years old and as gentle as a lamb. It was, besides remarkably intelligent, and could open doors by turning the handles. When it hears a clock strike it would stand on its hind legs to look behind, and would more the hands round with its paws. It is fond of perfumes,- and lives on good terms with poultry and other animals, but 1 has a great aversion'for cats. Its bark resembles that of a dog Mdc Mortillet, ou the other, hand, sai.i that he had been endeavouring in vain to tame wolves. They were gentle enough so long as they were young, but become savage at the adult age. _ : A severe measured discipline has been applied by the Minister of War against 30 pupils of the Military School of St. Cyr, who had attended in uniform at a mass in the Church of St. Germain dcs Pres in honour of Count de Chambord (Henri V), on the 15tb July, the festival of Saint Henri. All the young men have been drafted as privates into regiments of infantry, in which they will complete their term of service.

The police authorities at Hamburg have issued a short report on the emigration to America from that port alone. It appears from this report that the total number of persons who sailed from Hamburg in the year 1871, with the intention of permanently settling in America was 18,009; in 1872 it was 36,918; in 1873, 40,068, in 1874, 19,979; in 1875, 18,527; in 1876, 15,832 ; in 1877, 11,867 ; in 1878.J2.718; iv 1879, 12,297; in 1880, 32,489; and in 1881, up to June 30tb, it was already 73,633. A telegram from Valparaiso states that the French Colony in that city forwarded a message to the President of the French Republic, and the Presidents of the French Chambers, on the occasion of the National Fete, as follows:—" Honour and gratitude to those who, like yourselves, have contribute to restore to our dear country union, glory, and prosperity." The fete was also/ celebrated .oh (an extensive scale by all the French resident in the United States and Canada. ; - r The expulsion of Don Carlos having been decided on by the French Government, a Commissary of Police waited on him on; Sunday (17th July) and, served on him an order to quit French territory within twenty-four hours. The officer asked at what hour and by what line he would leave. He decided on going to London by the 740 train on Monday evening. He was informed that a police agent would then accompany him to the frontier.; The order of expulsion did not state the motive for this measure, but it is believed to have been decided on in consequence of the presence of the Duke de Madrid and a Legitimist man in one of the French churches on a fote day of St. Henri.