TABLE OF CONTENTS.


I. BOTANY.--A Century Plant in Bloom.--Interesting account of
the recent blossoming of an _Agave Americana_ at
Auburn, N.Y. 8965

Alpine Flowers in the Pyrenees.--1 illustration. 8965

II. CHEMISTRY.--Probable Isolation of Fluorine.--Decomposition
of hydrofluoric acid by an electric current.--By M.H.
MOISSAN.--Production of a new body, possibly fluorine, or
perfluoride of hydrogen. 8963

The Determination of Nitric Acid by the Absorption of Nitric
Oxide in a Standard Solution of Permanganate of Potash.--
By H.N. MORSE and A.F. LINN. Full description of a new and
important volumetric determination.--1 illustration. 8964

Water of Crystallization.--By W.W.J. NICOL, M.A., D.Sc.--
Discussion of the state of water of crystallization in a
salt in solution. 8964

III. ENGINEERING.--Combustion, Fire Boxes, and Steam Boilers--By
JOHN A. COLEMAN.--Address before the June Convention of
the Master Mechanics' Association. 8953

Compound Hydraulic Presses.--Different forms of presses
designed for pressing bales for shipment.--Very fully