A few days ago we received a present we had long desired: one of the celebrated luminous beetles of South America, (Elater noctiluca.) It resembled our common "snapping bug," except that it was of double the size or more, and had a spot on each side of the head, which emited a brilliant greenish light in the dark, and was sometimes so bright as to enable us to read a few words in a book. We had the pleasure of exhibiting it to many friends, and at a meeting of the Farmers' Club, where it was much admired. It was brought from Havana, in a joint of sugar-cane, on which it fed.

It died in a few days. It is not uncommon, we believe, in our most southern

states.

Our attention having been thus particularly turned to luminous insects, we have inserted a cut of one of a very different kind, and add some extracts from a late writer, chiefly on the English glow-worm, remarking that we have a glow-worm in our own country, though it is rarely to be seen. We have obser

ved them three or four times in the course of our lives.

"The glow-worm (Lampyris noctiluca) is very common, but is either local in its habits, being only found in certain places, and has been supposed to disappear occasionally for some time, and then reappear with its usual splendour. It is more generally found to inhabit the borders of paths and the other margins of woods or coppices, especially in low situations, where it is observable after the heat of the day is over, and when the dew is falling. The females, which are more numerous than the males, deposite their eggs in the month of June or July, on grass, moss, &c. They are of a yellow colour, and are stated to be luminous,

but it is doubtful whether the luminous matter so observed is anything but an excretion of the insect, appearing under the form of a congeries of minute brilliant. points The larvæ, after remaining quiescent for about five or six weeks, break their shells and make their appearance; when first emerged from the eggs they are small and of a white color, but they rapidly increase in size, and become much darker, passing from a dark brown to almost black. The three stages of these insects, viz, larva, pupa, and imago, or perfect insects, are very similar to another. The larva is composed of eleven segments; it has six feet feet; two rows of reddish spots down the back; and is capable of emitting a phosphoric light from the last rings of the abdomen. The light appears like two brilliant spots, when attentively examined, during the fine nights in autumn, when they are creeping about in search of their food, which consists of small snails, &c.

After the space of one year and nine months the larvæ are changed, having however frequently cast off their skins, into the second or pupa state, in which they remain nearly quiescent for two or three weeks, when they change their last skins and become perfect insects. In this state the two sexes are easily distinguished, as the male appears like a perfect beetle, having wings and wing-cases; while the female, on the contrary, seems to have undergone hardly any change in appearance from that of the larva, except that she is much larger, and of a lighter colour. It is the female which is principally luminous in the perfect state. The male was generally considered incapable of exhibiting any light, until John Ray, the father of English naturalists, first pointed out that the latter sex was

also in possession of this luminous property, but in a less degree; the light in it is only distinguishable when the wings. are expanded, or when the insects are flying, as the luminous matter is hidden and much smaller.

The females of the glow-worm can occasionally conceal or eclipse their light. The author of the excellent "Natural History of Selborne" supposed that they regularly extinguished the torch between the hours of eleven and twelve; which has called forth the idea that it may be to secure themselves from becoming the prey of the nightingale or some other nocturnal bird; while the author of the "Journal of a Naturalist" considers that the summer light of the glow-worm is displayed as a signal taper.

A clear steady light has been observed as late on one occasion as the 28th of September, 1826, though very different in its sparkling from that of the summer months. The light of one, if placed on the watch-glass, is sufficient to ascertain the hour: nor is it an uncommon occurrence for anglers, &c., to place several of these insects on their hats, when they have been out in the evening, to cheer them after their day's sport.

We are informed by Mr. Macartney that the light-yielding matter reposes under the transparent portion of the skin, through which it is seen.

It was supposed by Dr. Darwin that the luminous appearance was owing to a secretion of some phosphoric matter, and a slow combustion arising from this phosphorous entering into combination with the oxygen inspired; Mr. Murray, however, has experimentally ascertained, "that the luminous matter does not contain phosphorus."

Mr. Murray has ascertained, by experiments, "that the light is not sensibly increased by the purest oxygen, and is not extinguished in hydrogen and carbonic acid gas;" and he found that the luminous matter continued to shine, without alteration, in oxygen, nitrous oxyde, hydrogen, carbonic acid gas, cyanogen, olefiant gas, and nitrous gas; and the light is not extinguishable by being placed in water, oil, or even in different kinds of acids, such as muriatic, nitric, and sulphuric, but continued for some seconds. In a solution of pure caustic potassa it became of a bluish tint, and appeared to undulate; and in tincture of iodine the

light continued for a minute. In alcohol it lasted nearly two, and in ammonia it continued for a minute.

Some authors are of opinion that there exists a sensible degree of heat in the luminous matter, for it has been stated that the thermometer was affected by nearly a degree when the insect was allowed to pass over its bulb; while others have asserted that no heat is perceptible.

The glow-worm is not the only insect which is capable of emitting a light, but that there are several species in different orders which possess this property in common. The light is, however, displayed from various parts of their bodies. Thus, in a rare insect (Paussus sphærocerus) from Africa, the globes of the antennæ, as we are informed by Mr. Afzelius, were, to his astonishment, on opening a box, wherein he had placed one for security, able to spread a phosphoric light, like, to use his expression, two lanterns. This so excited his curiosity that he was induced to examine this singular phenomenon several times during the evening. But on looking at it the following morning, he found the insect dead, and that the light had disappeared.

The next insect, an inhabitant of South America, is termed the fire fly (Elater noctiluca.) It is about an inch long, and one third of an inch broad, of a dark brownish-black colour, except a yellow eyelike tubercle, placed at each posterior angle of the thorax.

The light which proceeds from the two spots on the thorax is said to be sufficient for a person to read the smallest print, by moving one of them, when placed between the fingers with the light downwards, along the line; and, when several are put together in a glass or transparent tube, the light will be found sufficiently great to admit of writing by it. These singular creatures have doubtless lent a friendly light to many a tropical wander

er.

No doubt the brilliancy of the spectacle alone is sufficient to raise the despondent spirit of a person who has lost his track in one of the deep American forests. Their splendour has been mentioned in the following words: "I could not but admire the thousands and tens of thousands of fireflies that spangled the gulf below, a tiny galaxy; they did not twinkle promiscuously, but seemed to emit their small green light by signals, beginning at the head of the ravine, and

glaring all the way down in a wavy, continuous, lambent flash; every fly, as it were, taking the time from its neighbour ahead; then, for a moment, all would be dark, until the stream of sparkles flowed down once more from the head of the valley, and again disappeared astern of us. We are informed that these insects were formerly used by the Indians as lamps, so that they were enabled to perform their evening household works, to spin, weave, paint, dance, &c., by their light, as well as for the purpose of lighting them on their nocturnal hunting and fishing expeditions; when employed for the latter, one of them was tied to each of their feet.

They are also used by the Indians by whom these insects are denominated cùcuji, for the purpose of. destroying the gnats or moschetoes in their abodes, which would become otherwise excessively troublesome. When required for this occupation, it becomes necessary for the Indians to place themselves on some eminence, with a lighted firebrand in their hands, which they wave about in the air; these insects, as well as others, are attracted by the light, and, at the same time, we are told, the Indians often call out cucuie, cucuie; and after having secured a sufficient number, they return and let them loose in their residences, where the insect seeks the moschetoes about the beds, and the faces of those asleep. The same person also relates, that many wanton wild fellows rub their faces with the luminous matter of these insects, for the purpose of meeting their neighbours with a flaming countenance.

On certain festival days they are col lected in great numbers, and distributed over the garments of the young people, who gallop through the street on their chargers, which are also similarly ornamented; thus producing, on a dark evening, the idea of moving figures of fiery horsemen. And also on similar occasions, the young men display their gal lantry by decking their mistresses with these sparkling living "diamonds."

It is related by Mouffett, that, on one occasion, the insect caused in the West Indies the failure of some troops; for in the evening of the day on which they had landed, they saw an infinite number of moving lights in the woods, which they supposed were the torches of the Spaniards advancing upon them, and imme

diately betook themselves to their ships.

Madame Merian, in her work on the Insects of Surinam, gives the following curious account of the manner in which she was frightened by this insect:

"The Indians once brought me," says the lady, "before I know that they shone by night, a number of these lanternflies, (Fulgora lanternaria), which I shut up in a large wooden box. In the night they made such a noise that I awoke in a fright, and ordered a light to be brought, not knowing from where the noise proceeded. As soon as we found that it came from the box, we opened it, but were still more alarmed, and let it fall to the ground in a fright, at seeing a flame of fire come out of it; and as many animals as came out so many flames of fire appeared. When we found this to be the case, we recovered from our fright, and again collected the insects, highly admiring their splendid appearance.

Parts of the lanternfly are formed into armlets and necklaces, attached together by means of fine metallic thread, and worn by the higher ranks of the Brazilian ladies, by whom their splendour is considered exquisite and brilliant. They are valued by them at from 10 to £14.

[Natural History.

BUSINESS ON LAKE ERIE.-In 1834, two voyages were made to Green bay, and three to Chicago by steamboats, and the amount of business done was $5,272,65. Seven years afterwards-1841, the business west of Detroit amounted to $226,352,46. In 1846, more than 50,000 tons of shipping are required to do the business of the upper lakes.

I should do great injustice to the Seamen navigating these lakes, should I omit to speak of them, as possessing those noble characteristics which belong to the ocean sailor. In fact many of them have been trained on the ocean, and there learned how to endure hardships and brave storms. Their circumstances and condition are improved when they ship on board a lake craft, the degradation pertaining to the forecastle is generally exchanged, for good steerage accommodations, and not unfrequently poor Jack finds himself in the awkward predicament of sitting at the table with his captain, instead of eating his grub solitarily from his unwashed kid.-Sailor's Magazine.

The Asylum for Aged Indigent Females. -It is situated in 20th st. between the 2d and 3 Avenues. It was built by a Society which was formed in 1814 for the support of old ladies who had no friends to provide for them. In 1837 the socie

ty resolved to build a house where they might be brought together and have better accommodations than they would elsewhere. Two gentlemen of this city, J. J. Astor and P. G. Stuyvesant, gave The very liberal donations towards it. former subscribed $5000 towards the building, and the latter gave the ground on which it stands. It is of brick, three stories high, 75 ft. wide. in front, and about 50 feet from front to rear. The principal rooms, are the chapel, where the inmates meet on the Sabbath for divine worship, a library, an infirmary, an office for the matron who superintends, two parlors, a committee room, a diningroom, and 450 chambers.

There are also a basement and cellar underneath. I passed through several of the rooms with an acquaintance, who is a Manager of the society; and had an opportunity to see several of the inmates. One was busy making pin-cushions, needle-cases, &c. to sell for charitable purposes. Another very aged lady, who could hardly stand, was reading an old Family Bible. There were marks in about twenty different places for some favorite text or chapter. She seemed to take great delight in it. Another old lady who once enjoyed all the comforts of life and was far from want, could speak five different languages. They all appeared happy and contented. There are now eighty in the Asylum. The youngest is about sixty-three, and the oldest ninety. When they meet in the chapel, it is an interesting sight. What an excellent institution thought I, as I came away! Grandmothers and great-grandmothers who have lost their children can here find a comfortable home, retired from the bustle of the city, and enjoy each others society. In heathen countries they would be left to die of starvation and exposure: but not so in Christian lands. The founders of this institution are carrying into practice, Christ's last command to John: "Son, behold thy mother." Let the young visit this asylum, when they have an opportunity, and learn to reverence. old age. It is open for visitors everyday of the week except Sundays.

B.

EXPERIMENTS.-Melt any quantity of lead, in the open air, and keep it melted until it becomes red lead, and it will be found to have increased in weight ten per cent.

Expose a small quantity of mercury to a moderate heat, in contact with atmospheric air, and it will slowly combine. with oxygen and become red oxyde; but, by an increase of heat, the oxygen will be driven off, and the metal will be restored.

Place together on a shovel, a little sulphur and mercury, and make the whole red hot over a strong fire, and the beautiful paint, called vermillion, will be produced.

Melt on a shovel, or in a ladle, a small quantity of zinc, and when it becomes red hot, it will burn with a full flame, and become apparently consumed: but the smoke will descend in flakes of beautiful fine oxyde of zinc.

To a little diluted sulphuric acid, add as many filings of copper as the acid will dissolve; afterwards evaporate the solu tion by a moderate heat, and beautiful blue crystals of sulphate of copper will

be formed.

Into a mixture of nitric and muriatic acid, put a few leaves of gold; they will almost instantly disappear, showing a perfect specimen of metallic solution.Scientific American.

The strength or cohesive power of copper plates for boilers, is about 30,000 lbs. per square inch of area.-SEL

AGRICULTURAL.

Dwelling Houses.

1. Of the Situation and Plan of Dwelling Houses.

The Island of Great Britain is of great extent from north to south, but narrow from east to west. Hence the piercing winds of one season, and the refreshing breezes of the other, come across the island from the ocean either from east or west. Hence, also, to have a protection at one time, and to be sufficiently exposed at another, the best situation of houses in that island is a west or east frontdoors that open to the east and west. In the cold season, the doors and windows next to the wind are closed, while the other side has a comfortable front, and in the warm season are favourable to the reception of breezes; accordingly that is the fashionable situation of houses-a fashion which has grown out of long continued observation, and which is governed by utility.

The United States were settled originally from England; and all their habits and fashions have been transcribed into our manners, and transplanted into our soil-among the rest the position of a house. It is difficult to eradicate old habits from common minds. Men who do not think and inquire for themselves, resist all improvements, and consider them as deviations from the standard of correctness. They refuse to be wiser than their fathers. A planter will not use a. plough of a different construction from that which he was first taught to use. A mechanic does not inquire whether a proposed alteration will be an improvement, but he instantly rejects it, because he was taught differently; because it is against rule, and cannot be right.

Look to the history of the arts, and you will find that most of the great mechanical improvements which have been made, did not originate with the professors of the trades themselves. A penny barber, (afterwards Sir Richard Arkwright,) invented the spinning machine, which has enriched England; and a schoolmaster, Mr. Whitney, invented the cotton gin, which has enriched America.

This indisposition in the mind to receive new truths, which makes all men act as though they believed what a polemic divine once declared, an old error was better than a new truth," has made

too many in this country still cling to the good old customs of our forefathers, to still front our houses to the east, when our climate and prevailing winds declare so strongly against its propriety.

In this country our cold winter winds are commonly from the north and northwest; a south front is therefore the most agreeable in winter. In summer our cooling breezes are generally from the south; hence a south front is the most agreeable also in summer. It is that which is suited to all seasons. Men of observation have long known this; but the millions have it yet to learn.

There is also another consideration which should determine the cardinal points of exposure in a house in this country, which has little relative consequence to influence such a determination in the "fog-wrapt isle" of Britain. It is the exposure to the sun.

A house which has an east and west front, has at all hours the sun's rays pouring with full force into the doors and windows, and upon the body of the houses on one side or other during the whole day. The afternoon's sun, in such houses, shoots his long beams with burning intenseness through their doors and windows, and upon the whole side of the house. This might make a tolerable residence for a salamander, but is an intol erable one for the human species. It is the nursery of fever, and deprives even the healthy of comfort. But a house that has a southern aspect, with few or no inlets to the sun's rays on the east or west, receives so few directly within it, that it seems to be situate within another climate. Will not these remarks occasion those who read them, to observe the advantages and disadvantages of a house having a particular direction of front? If it does, a greater innovation than ever will be made upon the English law of custom, and the tyrant will lose some of his blinded votaries.

2. Of shading Houses and adjoining grounds by Trees.-Some modern travel. ler speaks in terms of high satisfaction, of the comforts he enjoyed in a summer house by its being enclosed with canvass, upon which servants were constantly throwing water. This must have been grateful and healthful in a hot climate and season; but a man who has sense enough to let the natural forest trees remain when he builds a new house, or in