damage and loss by fire has been greatly reduced, and, in consequence,
the insurance companies have lowered the rate of insurance; that is to
say, they do not charge people as much money to insure their property
this year as they did last year and have done for many years past.

* * * * *

The anxiety about Professor Andrée has increased. The steamer which left
Tromso, Norway, in search of the explorer has returned, and reports that
no traces of him could be found. Search parties were sent out in every
direction, but nothing could be discovered.

The vessel sailed on November 5th and returned on the 21st, and her crew
declare that a most vigilant search was made.

The vessel was sent in consequence of the report brought in by the
wrecked whalers that they had heard cries for help.

* * * * *

A strange freak of nature is reported from Kansas.

The railroad station of Rozel, eighteen miles from Larned, has been
swallowed up.

When the people in the neighborhood went to bed at night, the station
was in its usual place; in the morning the station, two or three small
elevators, and a few other small buildings had disappeared.

Investigation proved that they had been swallowed up, and had