Thus dried it passes through weighed potash bulbs, after which is
placed for safety a small tube containing soda lime and phosphoric
acid. After the lapse of about twenty minutes, warming may be once
more proceeded with in the same manner as before, and after about two
and one-half hours the asbestos plate may be placed directly below the
flask, and more strongly heated. The whole operation is very easily
carried out, and needs no watching.

With substances containing halogens, it is advisable to place, after
the copper oxide tube, a small washing flask containing potassium
iodide solution.

* * * * *




NEW RACE OF DWARF DAHLIAS.


The dahlia has held a prominent place among garden flowers for many
years, and it has received new life in the acquisition of a section
little expected by cultivators, but peculiarly welcome. This class is
the outcome of much patient work on the part of Mr. T.W. Girdlestone,
the well known secretary of the National Dahlia Society, who has for
some time past devoted much time to the improvement of the single
varieties. We had the pleasure a short time since of receiving a
photograph of this dwarf section of dahlias from Messrs. J. Cheal &
Sons, of Crawley, who have purchased the stock, and this we have had